The Heritage and Future of Indigenous Rights within Settler-Colonial Commonwealth Nations in the Environmental Emergency
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: History
Abstract
The environmental emergency is exacerbating longstanding global inequalities, disproportionately effecting frontline Indigenous communities. This is a continuation of the ecological and social devastation wrought by colonisation, that left a legacy of racialized social and climate injustice. The way environments sustain and inform cultures and heritage is often undervalued. The recent commitment to align laws in Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP 2007) creates a unique and powerful opportunity to reconceptualise and enact Indigenous-led change: affirming Indigenous communities' rights to protect and maintain culture, heritage, governance, territories, and local ecosystems. As engaged, action-based research, the FLF will tackle complex challenges facing specific communities and support Indigenous community-led decision-making on local priorities around ecological and cultural stewardship in BC Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand to help inform systemic change in cultural heritage and environmental management in each country.
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF EXETER (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of British Columbia (Collaboration)
- Victoria University of Wellington (Collaboration)
- BC Parks (Project Partner)
- Kumugwe Cultural Society (Project Partner)
- Georgia Strait Alliance (Project Partner)
- K'ate'mot Cultural Society (Project Partner)
- Auckland Museum (Project Partner)
- British Council New Zealand and Pacific (Project Partner)
- First Peoples' Cultural Council (Project Partner)
- Heritage New Zealand (Project Partner)
- Commonwealth Association of Museums (Project Partner)
- Nuxalk Nation (Project Partner)
| Description | We have made a number of early key findings that are shaping the development of the project. This project is at an early stage and we are not able to share the details of the findings at present. |
| Exploitation Route | Too early to detail at this stage |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Creative Economy Environment Government Democracy and Justice Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
| Description | At this early stage of the project, we are seeing up take of the early findings by communities in their local areas. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2025 |
| Sector | Environment,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
| Description | Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand |
| Organisation | Victoria University of Wellington |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am a Visiting Academic at the University and have contributed talks and collaboration. |
| Collaborator Contribution | VUW is hosting two project RAs and myself as a visiting scholar. |
| Impact | I have given research talks to PG students and academics. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Visiting Professor at the Museum of Anthropology, UBC, Canada |
| Organisation | University of British Columbia |
| Department | Department of Anthropology |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am a visiting Prof at UBC and am collaborating with them on my research |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof Jennifer Kramer is a mentor on the project |
| Impact | This collaboration has supported the work with the Nuxalk Nation, and has enriched the interdisciplinary nature of the project. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Environment and Climate Change Canada |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | March 3, 2026, I presented at the Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service Pacific Region's, Indigenous Relations Community of Practice. 20 scientists and administrators for Federal Government were in attendance, online, in Canada. The presentation sparked questions and desire for further discussion and potential collaboration and new research projects and avenues. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2026 |
| Description | Hongoeka Marae & Community, Ngati Toa |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Around 70 community members and guests attend the welcome ceremony, lunch, and research talk. In the room was a range of people including academics, government members, artists, post graduates, NGOs, and policy advisors. There was good discussion that went on for days after the event. The community reported inspiration and interest in developing the research further and building stronger collaborations and exchanges with the research team in Canada. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2026 |
| Description | MUSQUEAM 101 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 40+ people attended our panel of talks on our research hosted by Musqueam Nation and the Museum of Anthropology UBC, Vancouver Canada. The talks sparked discussion and sharing of contacts, enriching our research network. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/our-story/educational-resources/musqueam-101/ |